Burnt orange is a rich, warm shade that brings vibrancy and depth to any living room. When decorating with burnt orange, it’s important to choose accent colors that complement and enhance the burnt orange without overwhelming it. Here are some of the best color combinations to use with burnt orange in a living room:
Neutrals
Pairing burnt orange with neutral shades is a foolproof way to let the burnt orange shine. Cream, beige, tan, warm grays, and ivory are soft neutrals that work beautifully with burnt orange. These muted tones allow the burnt orange to take center stage while lending an airy, soothing vibe to the space. Try incorporating neutrals on larger pieces like sofas, area rugs and walls, then use burnt orange on pillows, throws, accent chairs and decorative accents.
Brown
Different shades of brown complement burnt orange extremely well. From light taupes to deeper espresso browns, these earthy tones are natural partners for burnt orange. Use lighter tans and beiges on walls or furniture upholstery, then bring in darker chocolate browns on accent pillows, drapes or a patterned area rug to contrast with the burnt orange. Brown hues enrich and ground the look.
Yellow
Yellow shares burnt orange’s warm, invigorating quality, making it an upbeat accent color. Mustard yellow, amber and goldenrod all pop beautifully against burnt orange. Use yellow sparingly on pillows, lamps, floral arrangements and artwork for an instant color boost. Avoid pale or pastel yellows, which may clash with the intensity of burnt orange. Deeper golden yellows harmonize better.
Green
Certain shades of green pair amazingly with burnt orange. Look for mossy, sage and olive greens, which have yellow undertones that connect back to the orange. Use green on upholstered chairs or a velvet sofa to complement burnt orange accents. Greenery from plants is another great way to incorporate green in a burnt orange space. Avoid cooler greens like mint, which can appear jarring next to burnt orange. Stick to warmer, golden-based greens.
Blue
While cool blues are not ideal with burnt orange, warm navy blue can make a sophisticated pairing. Navy provides a rich contrast to burnt orange and keeps the look grounded. Use navy blue in moderation on cushions, throw blankets or accent walls. Avoid lighter shades of blue like powder blue, which won’t have the bold impact needed to stand up to burnt orange.
Purple
Certain purple shades also suit burnt orange when used judiciously. Plums, eggplants and mulberry purples have a touch of red that connects them to burnt orange. Use these jewel-toned purples sparingly on pillows or accent chairs. Avoid pastel lavenders and lilacs, which will clash. The purple should be deep enough to contrast with burnt orange.
Pink
Pink can highlight burnt orange in fun, feminine ways. Opt for rosy pinks, corals, peaches, salmon and other orange-leaning shades. Use pink in patterned area rugs, throw pillows, vases or artwork. Avoid bubblegum pinks, which can cheapen the look. Focus on pinks with orange, peach or red undertones to complement the burnt orange gracefully.
Metallics
For a glam touch, metallic accents in bronze, copper and brass play off burnt orange beautifully. Incorporate metallics through lamp bases, side tables, mirrors, decor items and golden picture frames. Avoid stark silver and cool-toned metals, as these will clash. Warm, golden metallics enhance burnt orange’s radiance.
Patterns to Use with Burnt Orange
Patterns and textures add visual interest in a burnt orange room. Here are somepatterns that pair well:
- Ikat or suzani patterns in burnt orange color palettes
- Colorful Bohemian prints with burnt orange accents
- Graphic tribal or geometric prints
- Global/Bazaar-style patterns
- Batiks
- Southwestern motifs
- Paisleys
- Damasks
- Animal prints like zebra or leopard
- Stripes
Avoid overly faded, pastel prints and florals. Patterns with burnt orange should have vibrancy and depth.
Textures to Use with Burnt Orange
Burnt orange pairs well with a variety of textures:
- Velvet – try velvet on upholstery or accent pillows
- Cotton/linen – lightweight throws and drapes
- Jute or seagrass – brings natural warmth
- Leather – ottomans, leather-topped tables
- Wood surfaces – side tables, consoles, dining chairs
- Rough-hewn and distressed wood finishes
- Shearling/faux fur – rug accents and pillows
- Rattan and woven textures – lamps, baskets
Avoid flat, plastic-like textures that will look cheap next to burnt orange. Natural fiber textures give warmth.
Best Paint Colors
Here are some recommended wall colors that suit burnt orange:
| Paint Color | Paint Brand |
|---|---|
| Athenian Villa | Benjamin Moore |
| Sarsaparilla | Behr |
| Roasted Chesnut | Sherwin Williams |
| Northern Tanager | Valspar |
| Camelback | Pittsburgh Paints |
Choose warm, golden paint hues that enhance burnt orange without competing. Avoid stark whites and grays, which will downplay the burnt orange.
Furniture Finishes
These furniture finishes complement burnt orange:
- Wood stained in espresso or walnut tones
- Oak or rustic wood finishes
- Black or brown leather
- Bronze, brass or gold metal accents
- Aniline-dyed leather in warm brown or tan
Cool grays and bleached woods will appear jarring next to burnt orange. Select rich, warm wood finishes and leather tones.
Flooring Options
Burnt orange looks gorgeous against these flooring choices:
- Hardwood in a dark espresso stain
- Terracotta or rustic red tile
- Travertine stone
- Marble or granite with warm golden veining
- Concrete with a stained and polished finish
- Jute or sisal rugs
Avoid cool-toned floors like grey washed wood and stark white tiles. Warm, organic flooring options enhance the burnt orange best.
Conclusion
The key to making burnt orange work is choosing accent colors that emphasize its bold, welcoming vibe. Stick to warm, earthy tones like brown, yellow, green, navy and purple while avoiding anything too cool or pastel. Bring in natural textures like wood, leather, linen and rattan to add coziness. With the right complementary palette, burnt orange creates living rooms that are vibrant, inviting and full of spirit.
